A Filipino Sense of the Political Thoughts of Mo Tzu, Hsun Tzu and Han Fei Tzu

Abstract

This article provides theoretical-conceptual basis to make sense of identified Filipino political practices, both local and national. Three Chinese political thinkers are considered namely, Mo Tzu who pointed out that successful governance is achieved when the “worthy” are “honored” and the “capable” are “employed;” Hsun Tzu who emphasized that an enlightened King governs according to the regulation that “equality is based upon inequality,” which is modelled after Heaven and Earth; and Han Fei Tzu who advised that a ruler should “carefully and tightly grip” the handles of government which are reward and punishment. Given the preceding, the Filipino practice of nepotism is a violation of the law (national statute) but may not necessarily run counter Mo Tzu’s criterion of worthiness since one’s kin in position may likewise possess the needed qualification. Additionally, political dynasties, which are a common feature in Philippine local politics, may shun democratized participation but per se, does not shatter the hierarchy of the governing and the governed (heaven and earth). They may likewise indicate consensus among the governed which is a higher test for an ordered state. Finally, a President’s unorthodox way of reward and punishment could suit well within Han Fei Tzu’s advice to “carefully and tightly grip” the handles of the government. This analysis is far from exhaustive but could well be of use for small groups or classroom discussions. Detailed aspects of Filipino political practices may be explored for in-depth juxtaposition with the thoughts of the Chinese philosophers.